Hairfin triggerfish

Abalistes filamentosus

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

32.5 cm

Max Weight

1.38 kg

Color

Pale tan to brownish body …

Depth Range

61-180m

Family

Balistidae

About

A medium-sized Indo-Pacific triggerfish with filamentous extensions on dorsal and caudal fins, a rough-textured body, and grey-brown coloration. Inhabits sandy and rubble-covered seabeds at 10-100m. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	32.5 cm
Maximum Weight	1.38 kg
Depth Range	61-180m

Coloration

Pale tan to brownish body with a faint reticulated pattern of darker lines; elongated filamentous dorsal fin ray; belly whitish; fins translucent to pale with dusky margins; subtly patterned triggerfish.

Habitat & Distribution

Shallow marine coastal waters and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific over sandy and rubble-covered substrates at 10-100m depth. Found from East Africa to the western Pacific Ocean.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

61-180m

Geographic Range

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A triggerfish species with edible white flesh; rarely targeted commercially. Firm, mild meat when prepared by local Indo-Pacific fishermen; skin and organs require careful removal.

Taxonomy

Order	Tetraodontiformes (Pufferfish and allies)
Family	Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
Species	Abalistes filamentosus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Hairfin triggerfish?

A triggerfish species with edible white flesh; rarely targeted commercially. Firm, mild meat when prepared by local Indo-Pacific fishermen; skin and organs require careful removal.

How big does Hairfin triggerfish get?

Hairfin triggerfish can grow up to 32.5 cm long and weigh 1.38 kg.

Where is Hairfin triggerfish found?

Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal south to northwestern Australia and east to the Philippines. Found on sandy and muddy coastal shelf areas at 20–100 m depth. Shallow marine coastal waters and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific over sandy and rubble-covered substrates at 10-100m depth. Found from East Africa to the western Pacific Ocean.

What family does Hairfin triggerfish belong to?

Hairfin triggerfish (Abalistes filamentosus) belongs to the family Balistidae (Triggerfishes) in the order Tetraodontiformes (Pufferfish and allies).